VU

Caucasian Giant Fennel

Ferula caucasica

Stable

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Ferula caucasica faces severe pressure from overexploitation for its valuable resin and medicinal properties, leading to unsustainable harvesting practices across its limited range. Habitat degradation through livestock grazing and agricultural expansion has further reduced suitable growing areas in the Caucasus mountains. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and precipitation patterns this high-altitude endemic requires for survival.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic species inhabits rocky slopes, alpine meadows, and subalpine zones of the Caucasus mountains, typically growing at elevations between 1,500-3,000 meters. It thrives in well-drained soils on steep terrain with specific microclimatic conditions found in montane grasslands and rocky outcrops.

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies recovery

Other threatened species in APIACEAE

VU

Jellico

Berula bracteata

Unknown
VU

Dichoropetalum achaicum

Unknown
EN

Ferulago serpentinica

Unknown
CR

Mervyn's Giant Fennel

Ferula mervynii

Declining

Threatened in Azerbaijan

VU

Lesser White-fronted Goose

Anser erythropus

Declining
Asian HoubaraVU

Asian Houbara

Chlamydotis macqueenii

Declining
Yellow-breasted BuntingCR

Yellow-breasted Bunting

Emberiza aureola

Declining
Siberian CraneCR

Siberian Crane

Leucogeranus leucogeranus

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Caucasian Giant Fennel classified as Vulnerable?
Caucasian Giant Fennel is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Ferula caucasica faces severe pressure from overexploitation for its valuable resin and medicinal properties, leading to unsustainable harvesting practices across its limited range. Habitat degradation through livestock grazing and agricultural expansion has further reduced suitable growing areas in the Caucasus mountains. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific temperature and precipitation patterns this high-altitude endemic requires for survival.
Where does Caucasian Giant Fennel live?
Caucasian Giant Fennel occurs in Azerbaijan. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Caucasian Giant Fennel?
The main threats to Caucasian Giant Fennel are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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